\n<\/p>\n
Chelsea are working on a deal to sign Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson as Xabi Alonso continues to reshape his squad with experienced additions.<\/p>\n
According to The Athletic, the Blues have emerged as the front-runners for the former Liverpool captain despite interest from several other Premier League clubs.<\/p>\n
Brentford are reportedly prepared to allow Henderson to leave on a free transfer despite him having one year remaining on his contract.<\/p>\n
Chelsea\u2019s interest is a notable shift in their recent recruitment strategy.<\/p>\n
After several transfer windows focused primarily on signing young players with long-term potential, the club have increasingly targeted experienced Premier League stars this summer.<\/p>\n
Henderson was part of the England squad at the World Cup, although his tournament was cut short after he suffered a broken during after-match celebrations.<\/p>\n
Henderson remained with the squad as England progressed to the semi-finals before their elimination.<\/p>\n
He joined Brentford as a free agent from Ajax last summer and quickly became an important figure under manager Keith Andrews.<\/p>\n
He started 22 Premier League matches last season and made a further 10 appearances from the bench, helping provide stability and leadership on and off the pitch.<\/p>\n
Henderson previously spent two seasons with Ajax following his departure from Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq.<\/p>\n
Chelsea have already made significant changes under Alonso.<\/p>\n
The arrivals of Morgan Rogers and Marco Palestra have strengthened their squad, while the departure of Andrey Santos to Manchester United has left additional room in midfield.<\/p>\n
The Blues have also been linked with experienced players including Danny Welbeck and John Stones as they look to add leadership to a relatively youthful dressing room.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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